1.What kind of skis do I need for my course?
There are lots of great skis on the market these days so it is difficult to pin down an exact pair. You should bear in mind that different people will need certain types of ski. A heavier person will need a ski that is perhaps a little stiffer and weightier than a light person who would benefit from a lighter, more flexible ski. Also the ideal turning radius and length of the ski is related to the physical build of the skier. Each course has its peculiarities so below is some more information specific to the levels with examples. These are only examples and people should feel comfortable to use other makes and models.
Alpine Level 1 and 2
Something that is versatile and easy to use, one of the new range of All Mountain skis which still has a narrow enough waist to make it responsive. You need something that will carve without too much effort but that can also handle different types of snow.
Examples: Salomon Enduro XT800, Rossignol Experience 83
Alpine Level 3 and 4
For these levels you will need something with a stronger construction so that they can withstand the greater torsional forces apparent when skiing at higher speeds. You need to feel comfortable skiing in all the strands and achieving all the criteria on the same pair of skis. It is unrealistic to think you’ll be able to change skis half way through a day to cope with different conditions. BASI recommend a turning radius of approximately 17m but this will vary by up to 2m either way given the skier and the manufacturer.
Examples: Salomon Mustang, Rossignol Radical 8 GS
2. What kind of skis do I need for the Eurotest?
There are strict rules for equipment when taking the Eurotest. Your skis must conform to FIS regulations during the past 5 years. This does give you some choice as these regulations have changed a little during that period. Helmets are also obligatory.It is also advisable to invest in some decent boots, a shop race boot will provide the support and performance you’ll need when skiing on hard icy pistes.
3.What kind of skis do I need for my coaching course?
Coaching Level 1
Slalom or GS skis, not necessarily factory race modes but at least a shop race version. If the course is being run in the UK, then slalom skis are appropriate. If the course is being run in an alpine environment then you could use a GS ski, although you would be expected to ski slalom turns during the course, so it depends whether you’re happy making these turns on a longer ski. Slalom or GS skis, not necessarily factory race modes but at least a shop race version. If the course is being run in the UK, then slalom skis are appropriate. If the course is being run in an alpine environment then you could use a GS ski, although you would be expected to ski slalom turns during the course, so it depends whether you’re happy making these turns on a longer ski.
Coaching Level 2
For this course you will need two pairs of skis. Slalom and GS skis, not necessarily factory race modes but at least a shop race version. Your skis should aim to conform with FIS specifications from the past five years (the current specifications can be found at
http://www.fis-ski.com/data/document/equipment-specifications-edition-december-1.pdf ). These skis are designed for the type of skiing that you will be doing on the course and will help you to achieve the performance standard. Most rental shops in resort have equipment that meets the criteria. Although the GS skis may seem long, remember that there is a speed aspect to this course (super-g and downhill) where a longer ski is much safer.
Coaching Level 3
Slalom and GS skis, FIS specification within the past five years.
4.Where can I buy a map of the area where my Mountain Safety/EMS course is taking place?
www.stanfords.co.uk
5.Where can I get my map laminated?
6.What type of rope/sling do I need for my Mountain Safety and/or EMS?
You will need 30m of dynamic rope, normally called “Randonnée” ropes! The sling should be 16feet in circumference.
You will need 30m of dynamic rope, normally called “Randonnée” ropes! The sling should be 16feet in circumference.
7.Where can I buy / hire the equipment?
You can hire equipment from Snow and Rock in the UK (
www.snowandrock.com) but most of the resorts in which BASI courses run will have a rental shop. Ask the course co-ordinator or contact BASI before you travel to find out the local options and whether there is any discount for BASI members.
8.Do I need a helmet for my course?
Helmets are being used increasingly by the skiing public and by instructors and other snowsport professionals. There is no obligation to wear a helmet on a BASI course although it is encouraged for those who wish to do so.
9.Do I need a helmet for my GAP course?
Please contact your GAP Provider, as the requirement for a helmet during the weeks where you are shadowing other instructors will be dependent on the policy of the ski school.